On May 8, 2025, the world turned its eyes to Vatican City as thick white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, signaling the election of a new pope. After two days of voting, 133 cardinals from across the globe, secluded in the secretive papal conclave, chose the next leader of the Catholic Church’s 1.4 billion followers. The announcement sparked waves of joy in St. Peter’s Square, where thousands of pilgrims, tourists, and faithful Catholics erupted in cheers, waved flags from nations like South Korea, Lebanon, and Brazil, and celebrated a moment they would never forget.
A Centuries-Old Tradition
The papal conclave, a ritual dating back centuries, is a solemn yet intricate process. The cardinals, dressed in their red robes, were cut off from the outside world—no phones, no internet, no contact—ensuring their focus remained on selecting the next pontiff. To win, a candidate needed a two-thirds majority, and after four ballots, the white smoke confirmed success. Unlike black smoke, which signals an inconclusive vote, the white smoke, accompanied by the ringing bells of St. Peter’s Basilica, declared that a new pope had been chosen.
This conclave was historic in its diversity. Pope Francis, who died in April 2025 at age 88, had appointed most of the cardinals, expanding representation to countries like Haiti, Myanmar, and Malaysia. This global mix made the 2025 conclave one of the most inclusive ever, reflecting the universal reach of the Catholic Church.
The Atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square
As the white smoke rose, St. Peter’s Square transformed into a vibrant festival. Swiss Guards in their iconic yellow, blue, and red uniforms marched through the crowd, while a pontifical band played, though the music was nearly drowned out by the cheers. People waved flags, snapped selfies, and embraced one another. One Brazilian clergyman, draped in his country’s flag, was hoisted onto shoulders, flashing peace signs to the crowd. “Today we were part of history,” said Caroline Cooper, a 70-year-old Londoner who traveled to witness the event. Holding back tears, she added, “We hope the next pope will be as kind and generous as Francis was.”
What’s Next for the New Pope?
The new pope’s identity will soon be revealed from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where Cardinal Dominique Mamberti will announce the name, followed by the pope’s first appearance to greet the faithful. Before that, the elected cardinal must accept the role and choose his papal garments in the Room of Tears, a small chamber where the weight of the moment often brings emotion. Some popes, like Francis, opt for simple white robes, while others, like Benedict XVI, add traditional red accents.
The new pontiff steps into a challenging role. Pope Francis was known for his progressive stance—welcoming migrants, supporting LGBTQ+ Catholics, and urging action on climate change—moves that inspired some but frustrated conservative cardinals. The 2025 conclave’s quick decision, matching the two-day elections of Francis and Benedict, suggests a unified choice, possibly someone who aligns with Francis’s vision. However, with cardinals from conservative-leaning countries, the new pope might take a different path.
Challenges Ahead
The next pope will face a complex world. Inside the Church, he must address the lingering pain of clerical sexual abuse, a shadow over Francis’s papacy. Globally, he will navigate conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan, while tackling divisive issues like migration, religious freedom, and human rights. In the United States, where Francis was a polarizing figure, the new pope may need to visit early to mend divisions among Catholics, some of whom support figures like Donald Trump, while others oppose his policies.
The cardinals, in pre-conclave meetings, stressed the need for a pope who can be a “bridge and guide” for a divided humanity. Whether the new pontiff will lean progressive like Francis or traditional like Benedict XVI remains unknown, but his leadership will shape the Church’s future amid growing polarization and the risk of schism.
A Moment of Unity
For now, the mood in Vatican City is one of celebration. The white smoke, the ringing bells, and the joyful crowds remind the world of the Catholic Church’s enduring traditions and its ability to unite people across cultures. As the faithful await the new pope’s first words, they hold onto hope that he will lead with compassion, wisdom, and a vision for a better future.
